Infrastructure Hardening

As security has become an increasing concern for information technology (IT) systems, infrastructure hardening has served as a critical component of modern cybersecurity measures.

Infrastructure hardening is a process that secures every part of a system’s infrastructure, such as:

  • Application servers
  • Databases
  • Web servers
  • Access and identity management technology

Is Infrastructure Hardening Necessary?

Hardening infrastructure involves using a combination of methods, tools, and best practices to effectively secure every element in an IT ecosystem, such as applications, firmware, hardware, and more. Hardening works by condensing attack surfaces to reduce the number of security vulnerabilities that could otherwise pose risks. By eliminating redundant programs, ports, applications, and other access points, hackers won’t be able to penetrate your systems as easily.

Whenever an organization adds a new user, server, or application, it changes the overall IT configuration and could result in new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This drift in compliance could cause security breaches or audit issues. Businesses and IT systems need sufficient cybersecurity measures to protect against these vulnerabilities over the long term, and a hardened infrastructure is one of the best methods.

Benefits of Infrastructure Hardening

Infrastructure hardening is a continuous process that pays off across your organization in numerous ways:

  • Improved System Functionality: With simplified systems that consolidate functionality, you’ll benefit from a much lower risk of misconfigurations, operational problems, and incompatibility.
  • Reduced Attack Surfaces: This is the most important advantage, as it minimizes the number of vulnerable spots that security threats can otherwise exploit. In turn, you’ll see fewer cyber attacks and penalties and less downtime.
  • Enhanced Security: With a smaller attack surface, you’ll avoid security issues due to malware, hacking, unauthorized access, and data breaches.
  • Simplified Audits and Compliance: By simplifying and reducing the number of accounts and programs in your technology ecosystem, you’ll have a more straightforward auditing process and more easily maintain compliance.

Infrastructure Hardening: Best Practices

To successfully harden your infrastructure and maximize security across your organization, include the following critical elements in your strategy:

  • A specific infrastructure hardening standard, such as those established by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), or European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).
  • An auditing tool based on CIS benchmarks that can perform regular audits and determine if there are any vulnerabilities across your system.
  • A comprehensive plan based on your business’s unique needs.
  • CIS-certified compliance automation solutions that enable automated reporting and compliance drift mitigation.
  • An automated vulnerability scanning and patching solution that updates system security, replaces missing patches, and scans for any misconfigurations.
  • Strict access and permissions rules, including protocols for deleting unused accounts and only allowing access for authorized personnel.

Why Work With Captor Corporation

Hardening infrastructure is a crucial step in maintaining system security, which will protect your IT systems and organization from potential threats. For help with infrastructure hardening and other solutions, work with the experts at Captor Corporation.

We offer a selection of standard and custom electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtration solutions based on our customers’ individual requirements. The combined resources and knowledge we have acquired in over 55 years of operation have enabled us to grow into a reliable contract manufacturer for low- to medium-volume projects. Whether you need an entirely new design or a reverse engineering project, Captor Corp. will work closely with you to see your project to completion.

To learn more about our capabilities and products, contact us today.